The Mirror of 1937 from the New York Heritage digital Ilion Free Public Library Yearbooks collection. Link opens in new browser tab. (added March 24, 2021)

Now everything you wanted to know about the IHS Class of 1937 is at your fingertips....as published in the 1937 Mirror Class History.

Class Roster, Officers and Honor Students, as published in the "The Mirror 1937", are available on the 1937 Class Roster page. (added December 3, 2021).

     Newspaper articles about the IHS Class of 1937 (added December 22, 2021)

Class of 1937 Ilion Alumnus, Clarence Getman, was featured on the June 2022 cover story. (June 1, 2022)

"Without the help of John G. Prindle, my road to obtain a college education would have been much harder."

- Mr. Duane Prosser, IHS 1937

In March of 2014, Duane Prosser, an IHS 1937 Alumnus, donated $25,000 to fund an annual $1,000 scholarship in honor of John Guy Prindle. The Central Valley Academy scholarship is to be given to an Ilion/Mohawk student who intends to pursue a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Mr. Duane Prosser now lives in Punta Gorda, Florida. He was President of his Ilion High Junior and Senior Classes and was Student Council President in 1936-37. He also gained the distinction of membership in the Sportsmanship Brotherhood Club and the National Honor Society.

Duane and Betty Prosser lost their mother, in 1935, when she died from a long illness. The following year, their father died suddenly in July 1936. His sister, Betty L. (Prosser) Begert IHS '39, was provided a home with their Uncle, Sid Venama, and cousins. There was no more room in the Venama household for another boy because the Vememas already had two boys. Duane's aunt, who lived in Whitesboro, helped pay his room and board with an Ilion neighbor so that Duane could remain in Ilion for his Senior Year in 1937.

Following graduation, Mr. Prindle invited Duane Prosser to move in with the Prindle family. The principal also helped Mr. Prosser obtain a job with The Evening Telegram where he worked 50 hours per week and earned $.22 per hour. Mr. Prindle, in the spring of 1938, helped Duane get a position with the Herkimer County Road Department. He was able to double his salary to $.45 per hour. Subsequently, by the fall of 1938, Mr. Prosser was able to save enough money to attend the University of Cincinnati. For the next three summers, Duane Prosser returned, from college, and lived with the Prindle family. The college student would resume summer work with the Herkimer County Road Department and save enough for his next year's college education. (May 4, 2014)

Janet (Prosser) Coyle was trying to locate classmates who graduated with her father, Duane Prosser IHS '37. Janet was helping Duane get in touch with his classmates. Duane lived with his wife in Punta Gorda, Florida. Classmates of Duane could get in touch with him through Janet Coyle email. (Dec 8, 2010 - modified November 19, 2021)

Find out how two former Ilion class members found love 63 years later. Take a moment and read John Power's An Incredible Love Story. (December 30, 2001)

The village of Ilion's 'Wall of Fame' induction ceremony and plaque unveiling, honoring the Ilion High School Varsity Football team of 1935, will be held November 24, 2000 at 7:30 in the Ilion Municipal Building Auditorium. The 1935 Golden Bombers finished the season with a 9-0 record and outscored opponents 202-20. Team members included: Arthur Barnum, Kenneth Bleau, James Bowers, Sam Bubb, Frank Campbell, Jack Caswell, Richard Daily, James Foreman, Ted Leonard, Robert Long, John Mackin, Joseph Manion, John Morris and Konstantine 'Gus' Panarites. The team was coached by Joseph Bemis. The public is invited and refreshments will be served. (November 18, 2000)

Robert Fay, email, from 9 Foster Road, Milford, NH, re-registered. (Jan 1, 2013)

Virginia Seath Grover, email, Binghamton, NY, registered. (Dec 17, 2011)

Jack Ashton, 519 Tahiti Drive, Lake Wales, FL, 33859 registered. (June 21, 2002)

John Race Powers, email, from Surry, NH, is attending the mega-reunion. (June 7, 2002)

Robert Fay, from Greenville, NH, is attending the mega-reunion. (May 24, 2002)

John Race Powers, Retired, - email jracepowers@aol.com, from Surry, NH, is looking forward to coming to the Sesquicentennial Reunion in October 2002. "Is there someone who keeps track of the Classes of 1937 and 1938?" (modified location and email address on December 28, 2001)

Jack Ashton, from Lake Wales, FL, sent news. (December 31, 2000)

Marion Hanson Greene, email, from Port Orange, FL, registered. (May 19, 2000)

I graduated from IHS in 1937 and became a member of the faculty, teaching physics and chemistry in the fall of 1947. I left the summer of 1955 having been a senior class adviser for that class.

Now I am retired, a widower and an active RVer. Having lived in New Hampshire for over 30 years, my summer base is there where my 3 sons and their families reside. I have a companion, Gail, whose family is also in New England and we spend the winters in northern Florida. Coming and going can take a month or so each way as we explore the US on the way.

Robert H. Fay

Summer address is: P.O.Box 414, Greenville, NH 03048

Winter address is: 106 Connecticut St. Carabelle, FL 32322
(9/15 - 6/15) email is: cc42rhf@hotmail.com phone is: 850-697-8861 (email modified Nov 14, 2001)

Hope to see the class list grow and would be glad to correspond with them and also any members of the classes '48 - '55 who remember me. (February 8, 2000)

Duane Namminga Prosser - Class President - IHS 1937, 12-13-1917 to 2-11-2020, son of late Verne & Lykle Prosser of Ilion, NY passed away peacefully at home February 11, 2020 with his children by his side. Duane resided in Punta Gorda, Fl for the past 35 years with his wife, Garnet who preceded him by death in the year 2014. Duane retired from Chevrolet Moraine Engine Plant as Chief Manufacturing Chemist in August 1982. Duane was a Co-op at the Lunkenheimer Valve Co., Cincinnati, Oh in their Chemistry Lab Dept & International Nickle Co., Huntington, WV in their Research Lab while attending University of Cincinnati. Duane graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering. He began his career with GM at the Frigidaire Division, February 3, 1942 with the classification of Temporary Laboratory Solution Tester. He was promoted up to Assistant Superintendent of Process & Production Engineering, then to Chief Manufacturing Chemist/Metallurgist. His career lasted 42 years. Duane served in the Navy as an Aviation Electronic Technician Instructor in airborne electronics, in Corpus Christi, Tx from 1944 to 1946. Duane was a member of Isles Yacht Club, Elks and the American Legion, Punta Gorda Fl. He loved the game of tennis and played until his mid 90's. His motto in life "KEEP ON MOVING". Duane was well liked by everyone who knew him. To his neighbors & friends he was their "HERO". He was a kind, gentle man. He adored his wife, Garnet & will be greatly missed by his family. He is survived by three children, Barry Prosser & wife Linda of Centerville, Oh, Janet Coyle of Punta Gorda, Fl and Cindy Reichert & husband Jeff of Miamisburg, Oh. He has 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He has two nephews, Mark & Matthew Begert, sons of his sister Betty Begert, who preceded him in death. In leu of flowers, contributions can be made to Tidewell Hospice, Port Charlotte, Fl. Private service to be held at David's Cemetery, Kettering Oh.Published by Dayton Daily News from Feb. 16 to Feb. 23, 2020. (November 16, 2001)

Dorothy (Towne) Rathbun Snow, 89, of 7 Miles Ave., Ilion, died Friday, January 16, 2009, at home with her family by her side. She was born on September 25, 1919, in Schrett, PA, the daughter of Raymond and Ada (Hurley) Towne. Dorothy graduated from Ilion High School and attended HCCC. On November 15, 1941, she was married to Allan V. Rathbun. He died on March 9, 1971. She later married Edward Snow on June 21, 1986, in Ilion. He died on December 1, 1991. Dorothy was employed at Herkimer County Dept. of Social Services for 16 years, retiring in 1986. She was a member and soloist singer at The Ilion Baptist Church. She was also a 63 year member and Past Regent of the Mohawk Valley Chapter D.A.R. and a 57 year member of the Historical Club of Ilion. Dorothy sang with various choirs throughout the Valley for many years and was a soloist singer for Christian Scientist's Church. Survivors include her two daughters and sons-in-law, Betsy and Greg Tanner, of Mohawk, Lynn and David Sellers, of Ilion; four sons and two daughters-in-law, Allan 'Skip' and Diane Rathbun, of Ilion, William Rathbun, of Utica Dean and Lorel Rathbun, of Ilion, Arthur Rathbun and friend, Deb Pett, of Ilion; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer Rathbun, Tara Tanner, Marc Tanner and wife, Katherine, Michael Tanner and wife, Denise, Jason and Benjamin Rathbun, Allison, Robert and Justin Luther, Erica and Cortney Sellers; six great-grandchildren, Jordyn and Ava Lanaux, Aidyn Sellers, Justin Luther, Julia and Lillian Tanner; two step-daughters, Martha Barilla and husband, John and family, of Morris Plains, NJ, Mary Ellen Snow, of Pompton Plains, NJ; one step-son, Edward Snow, Jr. and wife, Lynn and family, of Canton, NY; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and a sister-in-law. She was predeceased by three brothers, Colonel Raymond Towne, William Towne and Daniel Towne; and two infant children, Laurel Ann and Raymond Duncan. Funeral services will be held 6 p.m., Monday, January 19, 2009, at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion, with Rev. Dr. Andrew D. Peloubet, Pastor, of The First Baptist Church of Ilion, officiating. Spring Interment will be in Springfield Center Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday, 4-6 p.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Dorothy or add to her online memorial may go to on the Internet. As an expression of sympathy, floral arrangements or memorial contributions to Ilion Baptist Church or Ilion Ambulance Fund would be appreciated. Envelopes are available at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, Ilion. (Jan 20, 2009)

Frances K. Sullivan, 89, of 29 Pine St., Ilion, died unexpectedly on Christmas Day morning at Auburn Memorial Hospital in Auburn, while visiting her cousin, Mary Ann Skardinski of Jordan, N.Y. She was born on Oct. 3, 1919, in Ilion, the daughter of Dennis and Mary Ann (Smyth) Sullivan. Frances graduated from Annunciation School, Ilion High School (class of 1937), the Crouse Irving School of Nursing, Syracuse University (B.S. Degree) and Oneonta College (M.S. Degree). She was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. Frances was employed at Oneida City Hospital, Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, the Herkimer County Public Health Department, and the West Canada School District as a school nurse for 20 years before retiring in 1982. She was a member and greeter at the Church of the Annunciation, and a former member of the Altar Rosary Society. Frances was also a member of Court St. Bridget No. 265; the Catholic Daughters of the Americas; Crouse Irving Nurses Association Alumni, the N.Y.S. United Teachers, the Red Hat Society, and a former member of the Catholic Nurses Association. She enjoyed quilting, golf, bowling, traveling and playing bridge. She is survived by several cousins, including Mary Ann Skardinski and her husband, William 'Bill' and their children, Mary Beth Elliot and her husband Perry; Kathleen and Michael McHale; Andrew Skardinski; Ronald Tanner, of Florida; Bud and Carole Dempsey of Webster, N.Y. and several other cousins in Ireland. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister Virginia A. 'Ginny' Sullivan on Sept. 28, 1998. Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, at 1:15 p.m. at the Applegate-Day and Enea Family Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion, and 2 p.m. at the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Anthony Barratt, assisted by Deacon James Bower. A Spring interment will be held in St. Agnes Cemetery, North Ilion, on the Sullivan family plot. Calling hours are Monday, Dec. 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Members of the Court St. Bridget No. 265 CDA will conduct a prayer service at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home and will also form an Honor Guard for Frances at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Annunciation. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Frances or add to her online memorial may go to www.applegateandday.com on the internet. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, friends and relatives may obtain mass cards at the Annunciation Church Rectory, or make contributions to the Herkimer County Humane Society. Envelopes for the Humane Society are available at the Applegate-Day and Enea Family Funeral Home, Ilion. (Jan 20, 2009)

Harold J. Casey, age 87, of Forge Hill Estates, Ilion, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007, at Valley Health Services in Herkimer. He was born Dec. 4, 1919, in Ilion, the son of the late James Daniel and Gertrude Roberts Casey. Harold received his education in the Ilion school system, and during World War II he served with the United States Army in the 36th Infantry Division, having served in Central Europe, Naples, Foggia, Rhineland, Rome-Arno and Southern France, and engaging in battles in Casino, Rapidro and Anzio. Harold received the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star medal, the Kame Service medal, Good Conduct medal and the World War II Victory medal. On Sept. 13, 1952, Harold married the former Joyce King in Ilion. Harold was employed with Sperry-UNIVAC, and then retired from I.C.L. in Utica several years ago. Harold was a member of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Ilion and was a lay reader at church. He was a former trustee for the village of Ilion, and also served on the Recreation Commission, the Traffic Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Harold is survived by his wife, Joyce; two daughters and a son-in-law, Cheryl O'Neill of Poughkeepsie and Carol and Greg Graf of Middletown, Mass.; three grandchildren, Ashley Elizabeth O'Neill, Zackary Casey Graf and Hanna Grace Graf; also several extended family members. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert, and a brother-in-law, Lester King, who was killed in action at Anzio during World War II. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 10:30 a.m. from St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, with Fr. Thomas Trees and Fr. George G. Green officiating. Friends may call on Monday, Sept. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, Inc. 100 Otsego St., Ilion. Friends are asked to consider memorials to American Red Cross, Shriner's Hospital or Hospice and Palliative Care in Harold's memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church. The family would like to thank all their friends and neighbors for all their help and kindness during Harold's illness. On-line condolences may be left at whiter-hendrix.com. (Sept 12, 2007)

Edward M. Couchman age 90, of 211 Huxtable Road, West Winfield, N.Y., passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2007, at Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown. He was born June 3, 1917, in Ilion, N.Y., the son of the late Kenneth and Marie Keno Couchman, and was a 1937 graduate of Ilion High School. After graduation from high school, Ed joined the C.C.C. before he entered the U.S. Army and served during World War II. In 1940, Ed married the former Beatrice Martin. She passed away Feb. 6, 1977. He then married the former Patricia Sponburgh on July 16, 1977. Ed was employed in the maintenance department with Herkimer County Community College, retiring in 1982. He was previously employed with Univac for 31 years. Ed was a member of the Ilion Fish and Game Club, the Mohawk American Legion, and was an avid outdoors man who enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. Ed is survived by his wife, Patricia; a son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Nancy Couchman of Emporium, Pa.; five daughters and three sons-in-law, Beverly Huxtable of Richfield Springs, Patricia and Edwin Owens of Mohawk, N.Y., Linda and Jack Linsky of Geneva, N.Y., Marsha Phalen of West Winfield, N.Y., and Lisa and Jim Branthoover of Waterville, N.Y.; a stepdaughter and her husband, Dale Anne and Arthur Parmer of Little Falls, N.Y.; a stepson, William E. Boudry of Frankfort, N.Y.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Harry and Emily Couchman of Ilion, Carl and Betty Couchman of Mohawk; a sister-in-law, Margaret Couchman of Richfield Springs; 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, also many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Ed was predeceased by a sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Ray Becker and a brother, Lee Couchman. Friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Friday, June 22, 2007, at 11 a.m. in the Highland Rural Cemetery, Jordanville, with the Rev. Scott Hocking officiating. In keeping with Ed's wishes there are no calling hours. Friends are asked to consider memorials to the Cedarville Ambulance, 960 State Route 51, Ilion, N.Y. 13357. Envelopes are available at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home Inc., 100 Otsego St., Ilion, or at the graveside service. Arrangements are with the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St., Ilion. Online condolences may be sent to www.whiter-hendrix.com. (June 27, 2007)

Francis Fletcher, 88, formerly of 29 Main St., Bloomingdale, died Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006, at the Uihlein Mercy Center. Born in Herkimer, N.Y., on July 5, 1918, he was the son of Carlos and Catherine (Murray) Fletcher. Mr. Fletcher had been a resident of the Saranac Lake area for over 60 years, coming from Ilion, N.Y. He graduated from Ilion High School in 1937. Following graduation he went to work for Remington Arms in Ilion until 1942. He is a veteran of World War II serving in the United States Army Air Corps, 376th Bomb Group from 1942 until 1945. Following his military service he attended and graduated from Paul Smiths College of Forestry in 1947. He was employed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Lands and Forest, until his retirement in 1983. Mr. Fletcher is a past member of the Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department and the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club. He is survived by one son, Terry Fletcher and his wife Debra of Ontario, N.Y; two daughters, Dawn Martin and her husband Joseph of Saranac Lake, N.Y., and Bonnie Branch and Doug Lockwood of Sodus, N.Y.; four grandchildren, James Amell, Holly Martin Borner, Angela Martin Hoffman and Heidi Karpp. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; two sons, Gary and Timothy Fletcher; one grandson, Matthew J. Amell; and one granddaughter, Shanon G. Branch. The family received friends at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 6-8 p.m. A memorial prayer service was held at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Patrick O'Reilly officiating. Following cremation, burial will take place in Brookside Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Francis Fletcher may make memorial contributions to Uihlein Mercy Center or Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department in care of the funeral home. (Oct 11, 2006)

Dorothy M. Davis, of Ilion, New York, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 15, at the Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, where she had been residing for the past few months. Dorothy was born on July 16, 1919, in Ilion, New York, daughter of Harold and Ann Davis. She graduated from Ilion High School in 1937. She received her degree as a Registered Nurse in 1940 from Crouse Irving Hospital. In 1941, she entered the Army Corp of Nurses. She served her country for four years, stationed primarily in Iran and was honorably discharged in 1945. Following her discharge, Dorothy attended Syracuse University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1949. Dorothy was employed as a public health nurse for the City of Utica and as a nurse in Galveston, Texas. From the late 1960's to the time of her retirement in 1979, Dorothy worked for the Department of Child Welfare for Oneida County. Dorothy was a member of Catholic Daughters of America and was a long time parishioner of Annunciation Church in Ilion, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and lector. Surviving Dorothy are her sister-in- law, Helen Davis, of Utica, New York; nephew, Denny Davis and fiancée, Diane Gallagher of New Jersey; Denny's daughter, Kristin; nephew, Christopher Davis and wife, Mary, and their daughters, Sasha and Kara, of Washington, D.C.; nephew, Jeffry Davis and wife, Lori, and daughters, Hannah and Camille, of California; nephew, James Davis of New York City; nephew, Brad Davis and wife, Mary, of Herkimer; and many dear friends, including lifelong friend, Frances Sullivan. Dorothy was predeceased by her brother, Robert Davis in 1996. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 19th, at Annunciation Church in Ilion where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. Friends are invited to call on Saturday afternoon, September 18th, from 1:00 to 3:00, at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home in Ilion. (October 1, 2004)

Harold S. Hemstreet, age 79, of Little Boars Head, died Wednesday, Aug. 18, 1999, at the Portsmouth Regional Hospital. Born Sept. 25, 1919, in Ilion, N.Y., he was the son of the late Adelbert S. and Emma L. (Schultz) Hemstreet. He was Salutatorian of Ilion High School Class of 1937 and a graduate of the Engineering School of the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. He had lived in the Seacoast since 1991, coming from Wilton, Conn. During World War II, he was a lieutenant in the Navy, assigned to the radiation lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was vice president of the Perkin-Elmer Corp. of Norwalk, Conn., manufacturers of electro-optical instruments, retiring in 1985 after 31 years with the company. He was the recipient of the annual "Semmy Award" from the Semiconductor Equipment and Materials Institute Inc.; the Apollo Achievement Award from NASA; and the Alan Gordon Memorial Award by the Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. He also worked for 10 years for Link Aviation of Binghamton, N.Y., where he was involved in the design of helicopter flight simulators. He was a member of the Abenaqui Country Club in Rye Beach. He was the husband of Jean (McMillan) Hemstreet for 55 years. In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Nancy H. Eaton of Glastonbury, Conn., and Katherine Hemstreet of Boston; two granddaughters, Heather Jean Eaton of Vernon, Conn., and Kristin Carroll Eaton of Glastonbury; a sister, Marion Manion of Brewster, Mass.; two nieces and a nephew. (April 28, 2000)

Mr. Leland G. "Lee" Wells, 80, of Mohawk, passed away on December 23, 1998. He was the son of John Henry and Ethel Shedd Wells. He was a graduate of Ilion High School Class of 1937. He was a proud veteran of WW II, serving his country with the U. S. Naval Air Corps. He was a toolmaker at Sperry Rand/UNIVAC in Ilion, for approximately 30 years. He was a process engineer at MDS in Herkimer and retired in 1982. He is survived by his wife, Catherine (Dutcher) Wells, a son and daughter-in-law, James and Deborah Wells of Little Falls, and a daughter and son-in-law, Carol Wells-Federman and her husband, Harvey, of Concord, MA; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, a granddaughter, step-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services were December 28, from the Graves-Applegate Funeral Home in Mohawk. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mohawk Reformed Church or teh American Heart Association. (December 27, 1998)

Mrs. Mary Morris, 76, a retired Ilion teacher and member of the Class of '37 was tragically killed in an automobile accident, in Canaan, 20 miles southeast of Albany, on October 14, 1997. Thomas Morris, her husband, an attorney was injured in the accident. Mr. Morris was admitted to Albany Medical Center where he was listed in fair condition. The car's driver, Mr. John Gilmartin (Mary's brother), 71, was also injured and was a patient in a Pittsfield, MA. hospital. Mr. Gerald Gilmartin (Mary's brother), 69, and his wife, Helen, 62, of Bernville, PA. were also killed in the accident. Village residents and alumni are greatly shocked and saddened by her death. Mrs. Morris, a graduate of Ilion High School, was an elementary teacher in the Clinton School District from 1941 to 1945. She began her career with the Ilion district, in September 1945, as a third-grade teacher. She later taught at Barringer Road Elementary School. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Our prayers are with them, as well. Mrs. Mary Morris will be greatly missed by many. (October 16, 1997)